ASA 127th Meeting M.I.T. 1994 June 6-10

5aBV1. Some fundamentals of vibrotactile sensation.

Ronald T. Verrillo

Inst. for Sensory Res., Syracuse Univ., Syracuse, NY 13244-5290

It is reasonable to propose that vibrotactile sensations can provide an
effective channel to supplement auditory cues to aid the musical performer in
the tonal control of the singing voice or an instrument. It is equally
reasonable to assume that these sensations can provide cues to the nonsinging
speaker, whether hearing or hearing impaired. In order to determine
experimentally the efficacy of the vibrotactile channel as an aid to musical
tonal control and speech, it is important that the fundamental characteristics
of vibrotactile sensation be understood. These characteristics are presented
for measurements at threshold and suprathreshold levels and for various subject
variables, such as gender and age. [Work supported by grants from NIH, NIDCD.]